Trump gets candid about his personal conversation with Dan Bongino
Rumors about Bongino’s tenure in the cabinet are swirling. But now it’s all out in the open.
Because Trump got candid about his personal conversation with Dan Bongino.
Addressing Internal Strife Over Epstein Files
President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he personally spoke with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino to address escalating tensions within his administration regarding the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files. The call came after reports surfaced of significant discord following the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI’s conclusion of their probe into the disgraced financier.
The investigation determined that no “client list” existed and that Epstein took his own life in his Manhattan jail cell in 2019. Bongino, reportedly frustrated with Attorney General Pam Bondi’s decision to release only a limited batch of the Epstein files, skipped work on Friday. Sources indicated that both Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel were contemplating resignation if Bondi remained in her role, though Patel publicly denied these claims.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday evening, Trump sought to calm the situation, stating, “I spoke to him today. Dan Bongino, very good guy. I’ve known him a long time, I’ve done his show many, many times, and he sounded terrific actually. No, I think he’s in good shape.”
Public and Internal Backlash to Limited Disclosure
The limited release of the Epstein files has fueled frustration among some administration officials and conservative commentators, who expected greater transparency.
On Saturday, Trump addressed the internal conflict via a Truth Social post, expressing his disappointment with the infighting:
“What’s going on with my ‘boys’ and, in some cases, ‘gals?’ They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! We’re on one Team, MAGA, and I don’t like what’s happening. We have a PERFECT Administration, THE TALK OF THE WORLD, and ‘selfish people’ are trying to hurt it, all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein.” He further urged the FBI to move on from the Epstein case, asserting, “nobody cares about” it, emphasizing his desire for unity and focus on broader priorities.
Despite Trump’s defense of Bondi, conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Megyn Kelly have vocally criticized her, calling for her resignation.
Kirk argued that Bondi’s handling of the files shows a disconnect with the MAGA movement’s demand for full disclosure, while Kelly, in comments made after Trump’s statement, noted, “huge swaths of the party are not” supportive of Bondi’s approach, highlighting a divide between Trump’s stance and some of his base.
Efforts to Maintain Unity Amid Controversy
Trump’s remarks on Sunday reflect a calculated effort to balance support for both Bongino and Bondi while addressing the controversy. His positive description of Bongino as “terrific” and “in good shape” indicates confidence in the deputy director’s continued role, despite the reported tensions.
Meanwhile, his defense of Bondi as doing a “FANTASTIC JOB” aims to quell criticism and reinforce her position within the administration.
The Epstein files, which have long been a subject of public fascination and speculation, continue to stir debate, with critics like Kelly arguing that the limited release has eroded trust among supporters.
The administration faces the challenge of addressing these concerns while maintaining cohesion, as Trump seeks to project strength and unity in his leadership team.
The ongoing discourse surrounding the Epstein investigation highlights the complexities of navigating internal dynamics and public expectations in a highly polarized environment.
